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The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially opened the internal race for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat ahead of the forthcoming by-election following the death of former legislator Hellen Nakimuli. The party announced that Thursday, May 14, 2026, will be the deadline for interested members to submit applications at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule.
The by-election was triggered by Nakimuli’s death on April 19, 2026. She reportedly died at the age of 40 at Alexandra Medical Center following complications arising from what colleagues described as a relatively minor surgical procedure reportedly linked to fibroids.
According to the party’s election roadmap, applicants are required to present a valid NUP membership card, a Curriculum Vitae, certified academic documents, and a National Identity Card between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Vetting of aspirants is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, after which candidates will undergo technical assessments and participate in public debates before the party selects its official flagbearer.
Johnmary Ssebwufu, a member of the NUP Elections Management Committee, said the party intends to conduct a transparent and people-centered selection process.
Nakimuli, popularly known as “Mama Kalangala,” was widely recognized for her advocacy for women, youth, and island communities in the Ssese Islands. A former Community Development Officer and volleyball player, she had recently secured re-election during the January 15, 2026, general elections on the NUP ticket.
Born in 1985 in Lukuba Village, Kyamuswa Sub-county, Nakimuli was the daughter of a Greek Orthodox priest and a former district councillor. She rose from local government service to Parliament after winning the seat in 2021.
Her sudden death sparked widespread grief across the Ssese Islands, with Parliament later holding a special sitting in her honor. Reports indicate that initial postmortem findings did not immediately establish the exact cause of death. Her family has since fronted her sister, Irene Nampala, as a possible successor, although she will still be required to go through the full NUP vetting and selection process.
At least 13 women have reportedly expressed interest in the seat overall, with 11 seeking the NUP flag, setting the stage for a highly competitive internal contest.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Uganda, chaired by Simon Byabakama, has released a compressed roadmap for the by-election in line with the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, which requires a by-election to be conducted within 60 days after notification of a parliamentary vacancy.
According to the electoral roadmap, the voter register update exercise ended on May 12, 2026, while the display of the register will run from May 20 to May 29, 2026. Candidate nominations are scheduled for June 4 and 5, followed by campaigns from June 8 to June 22, before polling day on June 24, 2026.
The Electoral Commission also announced that parliamentary nomination fees remain at UGX 3 million, payable as non-tax revenue. The by-election is expected to determine who will represent Kalangala District when the 12th Parliament officially convenes.
Torch Media Africa
